Power NI Dr. McKenna Cup Section B

Monaghan v Derry, Sunday, 2.00, Clones

Monaghan begin their 2014 campaign with a Dr. McKenna Cup game against Derry in Clones on Sunday.

Corner-backs Jonathan McGuigan (Cremartin) and Ryan Wylie (Ballybay) have been named to make debuts, as have Truagh’s Paudie McKenna at wing-back and Scotstown poacher Shane Carey at wing-forward. Daniel McKenna returns to the team for the first time since 2011, while another six ‘uncapped’ players are on the bench. There is still room for eight of the players who featured in last July’s Ulster final, with experienced campaigners like Paul Finlay, Dessie Mone, Kieran Duffy and Kieran Hughes backboning the side.

Derry have named a fairly experienced team. Brian McIver’s side go into this competition in a positive mood after winning the revived Ó Fiaich Cup last month; beating Armagh in the final at Crossmaglen. Fergal Doherty and Mark Lynch form a very experienced midfield, while James Kielt, Enda Lynn, Declan Mullan and Benny Herron have all already been in good form.

The winning habit returned to Monaghan in some style in 2013 and Malachy O’Rourke and co. will be keen to continue that, particularly on home soil, but a decent performance will at least be demanded from the team on Sunday.

This is the first time Monaghan have played a home competitive game since the memorable day that the Anglo-Celt Cup was won for the first time in 25 years, so it is hoped that a good crowd will come along to show their support for the Ulster champions.

Monaghan: Rory Beggan; Jonathan McGuigan, Kieran Duffy, Ryan Wylie; Fintan Kelly, Dessie Mone, Paudie McKenna; Gavin Doogan, Kieran Hughes; Dermot Malone, Jack McCarron, Shane Carey; Christopher McGuinness, Paul Finlay, Daniel McKenna.

Subs: Damien Lavelle, Conor Galligan, Karl O’Connell, Conor Boyle, Pádraic Keenan, Thomas Kerr, Shane Smyth, Pádraig Donaghy, Daniel McMahon, Vincent Corey, Gerard McCaffrey.

Derry: Thomas Mallon; Declan Brown, Oisín Duffy, Michael McShane; Conor McAtamney, Mark Craig, Seán Leo McGoldrick; Fergal Doherty, Mark Lynch; Ciarán McFaul, James Kielt (Capt.), Enda Lynn; Declan Mullan, Emmett McGuckin, Benny Heron.

Subs: Eoin McNicholl, Dermot McBride, Aidan McAlynn, Charlie Kielt, Carlus McWilliams, Peter Cassidy, Niall Holly, James Kearney, Aaron Kerrigan, Ciarán McGoldrick, Anthony O’Neill.